Statement of Strategy:

EconomicSustainability

2015-2021

Statement of Strategy:Economic

Sustainability2015-2021

Further information:Community and Culture Department, Galway City Council, City Hall, College Road, Galway.Tel: (091) 536400Email: c&c@galwaycity.iewww.galwaycity.ie

Table of ContentsCheif Executive Introduction

Part 1Creating an Economic

Sustainability Strategy

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This Statement of Strategy - Economic Sustainability aims to simultaneously maintain and

enhance the existing economy of Galway City while also positioning Galway City and the wider

Region to grow new segments of its economy associated with larger economic, environmental

and social trends.

In its preparation, a significant number of City & other local authority strategies at an

international, national and local level were examined. Of particular interest was the City of

Boulder's Economic Sustainability Strategy, which identified the 3 inter-related categories

approach that has inspired the basis of our approach; to focus on People, Place and Process.

As formulation of the economic elements of the statutory Local Economic and Community Plan

(LECP) is part of the wider economic role of local government, this Statement of Strategy and

the sectoral elements referred to therein, for which the City Council has lead responsibility,

(such as Culture, Tourism, Enterprise, Transport etc) form a key component of the City Council

commitment to the LECP process.

The LECP also identifies a range of actions surrounding other sectors for which agencies

and members other than the City Council will have lead responsibility.

Each sectoral element for which the City Council has lead responsibility has

already, or will shortly produce specific action plans and targets that will be

visible and measurable.

The development of the Local Enterprise Office within local authorities

has created an action plan for economic and enterprise at a local

level to support start ups and entreprenuers.

The Western Regional Action Plan for Jobs also identifies

actions required at a regional level by agencies and

local authorities in the West of Ireland. The

objectives and actions set out in the National

Action Plan for Jobs are designed to achieve

specific impacts in terms of jobs, exports

and startups, market penetration and

innovation, efficiency of public

interaction with business,

finance and access to talent.

Galway is known as “The City of the Tribes”and is the Gateway City for the West of Ireland.It is a young, vibrant, multi cultural and creative place.

As the largest urban centre in the West, it is also a key driver of

economic development and competitiveness in the region and makes a

significant contribution to national GDP.

Galway is a diverse city of learning with a rich cultural heritage

immersed in a stunning natural environment.

Introduction – Macro Economic Overview

Galway City Council is working to protect, enhance and strengthen the position of Galway as

a world-class city of innovation and creativity.

In Galway City, we have a place that people aspire to live in, to work in and to visit. We are

actively working on a number of strategies that will guide the realisation of our vision for the

city and its people over the coming years. Defined outcomes will be achieved through a

partnership process with stakeholders.

We recognise that there are mutual complementarities between Galway City and County and

we are working closely with Galway County Council to stimulate and foster enterprise, job

creation, and social inclusion through joint initiatives and shared services.

The foundation for this Statement of Strategy; Economic Sustainability is the Galway City

and County Economic Baseline Study, commissioned by both Galway City Council and

Galway Council and carried out by The Whitaker Institute in the National University of Ireland,

(NUI) Galway.

The website www.galwaydashboard.ie, developed as part of the study, will be utilised to

increase the visibility of Galway as a location for sustainable economic activity on a global

basis.

The Baseline Study provides a snapshot of Galway and its demographic base and gives the

clear message that Galway is well positioned economically to grow in a sustainable way.

Already there are a range of action plans and processes underway through the Regional

Action Plan for Jobs as well as others including the Culture, Tourism, and Food Strategies.

The Transport, Marketing and Branding Initiative will produce further priority actions.

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ease of doing businesses(city processes, programmes and procedures)

physical environment(infrastructure, amenities, buildings and planning)

workforce, quality of life and social issuesPEOPLEPLACEPROCESS

Today: Galway is ...

Galway is a growing city. The population of the city has grown from 47,000 in 1986

to currently stand at 75,529 and the city has the title of the fastest growing city in Europe. This

growth not only reflects a national and international trend of increased urbanisation but more

specifically reflects the attractiveness of Galway as a city to study in, to work in, to visit and to

live in. There are a further 62,238 people who live within 30 minutes drive of the city centre.

Galway is a young, vibrant and learning city. There are over 40,000

students in primary, secondary, further and third-level schools and colleges across Galway,

including over 26,000 who are enrolled in NUI Galway, Galway Mayo Institute of Technology, the

GRETB, Marine Institute and a significant number of private colleges..

According to Census 2011, Galway’s population of 20 to 24 year olds is more than twice the

national average. Education and learning is part of the past, the present and the future of the city.

Galway is a cultural, creative city. The arts flourish in Galway city, with its

bohemian and European twist, involving the community and encouraging creativity. The city has

long been considered a centre of cultural excellence and its reputation at home and overseas

has been enhanced by the presence of world leaders in the arts, like the Druid Theatre

Company and Galway International Arts Festival. Galway is also a hub for the creative industry

with film, TV, media and animation sectors experiencing growth.

The economic importance of the creative sector to Galway City is well documented and this has

been further strengthened by the city's designation as a UNESCO City of Film, one of only five

in the world; while the joint bid by Galway City Council and Galway County Council to become

the European Capital of Culture 2020 acknowledges our cultural awareness.

Galway is a multi-cultural city. Galway is recognised internationally as a city

which celebrates diversity. Census 2011 data identifies Galway City as the most multi-cultural

location in Ireland with 19.4 per cent of its residents recorded as non-Irish, compared to a

national average of 12%.

Galway is also Ireland's only bilingual city with a strong history and tradition of nurturing the

Irish language. In 2015, Galway was named the ‘Friendliest City in the World by the US

magazine ‘Travel & Leisure’ and was awarded the ‘Purple Flag’ as a safe and family friendly city

by night.

Galway is a historic city. Originally a small O’Flaherty village in the Middle Ages, the

city is famously known as the “City of the Tribes” after the fourteen “Tribes” (merchant families)

who led the city in its Hiberno-Norman period. Galway City is a platform of history and, although

vibrant and exciting, the city has maintained many relics from its medieval past, including

cobbled streets, lane ways, hidden archways and old medieval walls.

Galway is an award winning city to do business in. Galway City was highlighted recently by

Financial Times FDI Magazine as the “Top Micro European City of the Future” for populations

under 100,000 people. It also featured in the Top 25 European Cities, of all sizes, and was

ranked highly for economic potential, business friendliness and foreign direct investment

strategy.

It is home to four of the top five ICT companies globally. Some 72.8% of Households in the

Galway city region have broadband connectivity compared to 63.8% nationally. Galway

employs one third of the country’s 25,000 medical device employees and the West of Ireland

accounts for 39% of regional distribution of medical device within which Galway has become

recognised for its specialisation in coronary devices.

Galway is an award winning City to do business in. Galway won the

2013/14 best micro city award for ease of doing business in Europe. It is home to 4 of the top

5 ICT companies globally. Some 72.8% of Households in the Galway city region have

broadband connectivity compared to 63.8% nationally. Galway employs one third of the

country’s 25,000 medical device employees and the West accounts for 39% of regional

distribution of medical device. Galway has become recognised for its specialisation in

coronary devices.

Developing Galway's Economic Vitality –Whitaker Institute: Baseline StudyThis Statement of Strategy: Economic Sustainability builds on the high level aggregated

data produced by the Central Statistics Office and developed by the Galway City and

County Economic Baseline Study which used the most recent methodology and analytical

techniques to provide a detailed profile of Galway City and County with respect to its

economic, social and cultural base.

Summary overviews, including future opportunities, were provided for nine industrial sectors:

Agriculture; Creative; Education; Food; ICT; Marine; Medical Device; Retail and

Tourism.

Baseline Study - General Observations• There is a diversified sectoral base in Galway, with a mix of traditional and new sectors.

• There Third-level institutions and public research organisations, such as Marine Institute

and Teagasc, (the agriculture and food development authority), are significant assets in

Galway and they provide far-reaching benefits to the city and county.

• There Richness of culture and the natural environment, coupled with diversified sectors,

are key elements of place-based innovation and they are key assets for future

development in Galway.

• There are high levels of educational attainment and skills in Galway, in particular with Phd

and Masters qualifications.

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Sustainability

Use of the term “economic sustainability” rather than “economic development” reflects firstly

that economic sustainability focuses on long-term conditions and outcomes.

Sustainable Development is that which meets the needs of the present withoutcompromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

It identifies and coordinates near and long-term strategies and actions that can help ensure

success over time. Second, the application of a comprehensive “sustainability lens”

acknowledges that efforts to ensure and enhance economic vitality must be approached and

implemented in conjunction with the environmental, social and cultural qualities that are the

foundation of Galway's long term health and quality of life.

Statement of Strategy: Economic SustainabilityOur Statement of Strategy: Economic Sustainability is an integrated, cross-cutting

approach to Galway City’s continued economic vitality. This strategy is not a typical economic

development approach, but will support the City’s economic vitality by building on its

strengths and addressing challenges as identified through the Whitaker Institutes’s Galway

Economic Baseline Report.

Galway City Council, aims to provide a coherent policy framework designed

to promote and facilitate sustainable economic development for the

community it serves.

It is informed by and consistent with the City Development Plan,

Corporate Plan and Local Economic and Community Plan.

The new Culture Strategy will also contribute to the development of

economic opportunities in the creative and cultural sectors.

• A growing and globally recognised creative sector has contributed to the visibility of

Galway globally.

• The medical device cluster is one of a rare set of successful international industrial

clusters.

• There is a growing interest in entrepreneurship and business start-ups in Galway and this

is particularly evident in ICT and food sectors

• There are economic interdependency between Galway City and County.

Baseline Study – Next Step recommendations:The baseline study highlights the following recommendations in order for Galway to continue

to grow as a strong, relevant City Region:

• Develop sectoral specific plans and supports that contribute to the competitiveness,

managerial capability, operational efficiency and effectiveness of all firms.

• Create a brand narrative for Galway to illuminate the economic strengths, the rich cultural

heritage and the natural environment that contribute to making Galway a unique and great

location to work visit and live in.

• Enhance and develop the workforce skills that will be necessary to support and sustain

the key sectors in the City Region.

• Create new models of engagement and interaction within and between sectors and actors

to support learning, knowledge transfer and collaboration that facilitates the growth and

development of firms.

• Internationalise firms through specific tailored initiatives, such as utilisation of existing

twinning arrangements and working with existing State Agencies etc.

• Generate clear sectoral plans to systematically structure, enhance and increase the

intensity of collaboration with third level institutions to deal with skills development,

knowledge transfer, research and development.

• Provide clear focus on retaining and attracting the best talent to support the development

of sectors.

• Develop and enhance the infrastructural requirements of the city including the delivery of a

sustainable transport solution.

Acting on these recommendations and in light of the provisions of the Local Government

Reform Act 2014 which provides a strong and clear role for local government in economic

development and community development Galway City Council has prepared this Statement

of Strategy: Economic Sustainability within a Sustainability Framework which contains a high

level macro Economic Sustainability Action Plan

This role for local government is clearly envisaged in the Action Programme for Effective

Local Government: “that local government will be the main vehicle of governance and public

service at local level, leading economic, social and community development”.

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1514

Part 2People

workforce, quality of life and social issues

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Local Economic and Community PlanStatutory guidelines define the main features of the local authority’s role in promoting and

supporting economic development as:

Area 1: Formulating the economic development plan and advising on the economic

components of the community elements of the LECP:

Area 2: Promoting economic development through general local authority powers and

functions:

Area 3: Operation of the LEOs:

Area 4: Economic components of the local/community development role:

Area 5: Action Plan for Jobs and Labour Market Activation:

Area 6: Further specific economic development action in line with regional priorities

The LECP is a statutory plan for a six year period and sets out objectives and actions to

a) promote and support economic development and

b) promote and support local and community development in Galway City, both by Galway

City Council itself and in partnership with other economic and community development

stakeholders.

The preparation of the new City Development Plan is currently being undertaken and will set

out the spatial framework for the City from 2017 – 2021. The consultation and drafting is

ongoing and the new Plan has to be adopted by January 2017. The Development Plan sets

out a vision and an overall strategy for the proper planning and sustainable development of

the city for a six-year period, in relation to issues such as: Economic Development; Housing;

Transportation; Retailing; Parks and Recreation; Biodiversity; Arts, Culture, Heritage, Tourism

and Social and Community Development.

The LECP Vision for Galway City states: “that Galway will be a unique City Region* with

a creative, inclusive and innovative eco-system in place to ensure its sustainable

development into the future”;

The LECP identifies the following High Level Goals for Galway City:

Develop and promote Galway as a world-class, creative City Region.

• Support and promote Galway City's role as a cultural city of international renown.

• Preserve and ensure the economic, cultural and social benefits associated with the use of

the Irish language remain in Galway City.

• Encourage the establishment and expansion of creative industries and education

experiences in Galway City.

*City Region. A City Region is a core city or network of urban communities linked by functional economic and social ties to a

hinterland. It is the area within and surrounding a city where most of the population conduct most of their lives, where they work,

trade, shop and live. City regions rarely correspond neatly to existing administrative boundaries.

Develop and promote Galway as an Innovative City Region.

• Develop, encourage and create an environment for innovation, enterprise and

entrepreneurship, including community/social enterprise.

• Foster the spirit of creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship in our education system.

• Promote and foster indigenous business and investment in the city.

• Encourage innovators to locate in Galway City.

• Develop Galway as a Smart City.

Encourage a self-sustaining urban eco-system in Galway as the regionalcapital of the West.

• Deliver local and national social inclusion/community development programmes to reduce

poverty and alleviate disadvantage.

• Address educational disadvantage.

• Ensure full integration and equality of all people within our community.

• Recognise and support the value that diversity brings to the City Region.

Ensure Galway city is an equal and inclusive City Region

• Define and nurture the uniqueness of Galway City and the region.

• Create linkages between all sectors, including food, culture, ICT, tourism and education.

• Build and support vibrant communities and a strong sense of place.

• Provide, maintain and enhance strategic infrastructure that supports economic, cultural,

health, environmental and community development.

• Support sustainable development through improving the natural environment and

providing a housing, energy, transport infrastructure consistent with meeting our

commitments on greenhouse gas emissions.

Promote health and well being of all citizens of Galway City

• Support the implementation of local health and wellbeing related programmes and plans,

including those related to mental health, domestic violence and sexual violence.

• Promote the safety of all people in Galway City.

• Support the development of local sport and physical activity programmes and plans.

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Part 3Place

physical environment(infrastructure, amenities,

buildings and planning)

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Galway Innovation District

"Innovation districts constitute the ultimate mash up of entrepreneurs and educational

institutions, start-ups and schools, mixed-use development and medical innovations, bike-

sharing and bankable investments — all connected by transit, powered by clean energy,

wired for digital technology, and fuelled by caffeine." The Rise of the Innovation Districts,

Bruce Katz and Julie Wagner, Brookings Institution.

The Innovation District is to be nestled between Galway's transportation gateways: adjacent

to the train (Ceannt) and coach stations, and abutting historic Galway Harbour.

The PorterShed, a downtown innovation hub within the Innovation District will be the initial

building and will house a number of high-potential start-ups, entrepreneurs, a co-working

space, and an open area for workshops/talks. A not for profit company is currently being

developed that will manage and run this district.

Galway Harbour

The Harbour Company is seeking approval for a €126m expansion, which would involve the

reclamation of 24 hectares from the sea bed and extensive development to expand the port.

The works will include re-development of some of the land at Galway Harbour Enterprise

Park to open up the Harbour for larger boats for commercial activity and the cruise tourism

industry. The planning permission decision is currently ongoing and An Bord Pleanala

recommended that the plan go forward to the next stage under Section 6 (4) of the EU

Habitats Directive.

Transportation

Galway City Council & Partners will continue to develop a transport vision for

Galway where all element of transport will work together to achieve a sustainable

solution. This vision recognises the issues to be address include: smarter

mobility, public transport and a new river corrib crossing. The n6 Galway

City Transport Project confirms that a river crossing is possible and

plans are progressing on this. The City Council in partnership with

the National Transport Authority is undertaking a review and

consolidation of transport proposals for the city to form a

coherent and integrated transport strategy – which is to

be formulated as an 'Integrated Transport

Management Programme' for Galway.

This programme will inform the new Corrib

crosssing and the N6 Galway City

Transport Project will contribute to an

integrated transport solution for

Galway.

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Galway City Development PlanIt is acknowledged that cities also enhance national competitiveness and act as economic

engines for their regions. Research has shown that there is a clear link between growth rates

achieved at city level and those experienced at regional level.

The goal now will be to ensure the long-term economic and social vibrancy of Galway as a

Gateway through the provision of targeted support to sustain the competitive position the city

currently holds.

The Galway City Development Plan 2011-2017 sets out a co-ordinated and integrated spatial

framework for the continued development of this attractive and vibrant City in a sustainable

and inclusive manner.

The purpose of a development plan is to set out the planning authority’s polices and

proposals for sustainable development and use of land within its area.

It is set within the overall national and regional planning contexts, taking into account in

particular, the National Spatial Strategy, the West Regional Planning Guidelines and national

guidelines such as Smarter Travel – A Sustainable Transport Future.

The development plan incorporates for the first time a Core Strategy as required under recent

planning legislation. It summarises the key planning parameters and priorities underpinning

the development plan including the level of population growth for the city as derived from

population targets set by the DECLG and its distribution as part of the city's settlement

strategy.

The Core Strategy provides a clear evidence-based rationale for future development enabling

the prioritisation and targeting of scarce public investment for the development of

transportation, water and waste-water infrastructure, schools, community facilities, parks and

other services. The Core Strategy strengthens further the role of the development plan as the

fundamental link between national, regional and local policies

The plan is detailed and comprehensive and is built around a number of strategic goals which

represent the strategic priorities of the Council in respect of land use and development.

These goals include the promotion of balanced and sustainable economic development to

enable the city to fulfil its role as a Gateway City providing sufficient employment

opportunities and appropriate services; provision of a high quality built and natural

environment; provision of a good quality of life for residents and visitors and availability of

sustainable transportation opportunities; promotion of social inclusion and reduction of

greenhouse gas emissions. In tandem with policies for a competitive and compact city, the

plan addresses amenity and quality of life issues with a strategic and strong policy emphasis

on the delivery of high quality development, sustainable neighbourhoods to support

successful communities, social infrastructure provision and a city-wide green network.

Part 4Process

ease of doing businesses(city processes, programmes

and procedures

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2524

Technology advances and other issues that transform the way people live and do business

can change quickly undermining access to customers and or negatively impact proven

business models. Increased global connectedness on value chains, potential competition,

access to talent, increased demand for resources and infrastructure and the increased

urbanisation of communities in Galway have implications for small & large businesses.

Businesses at all stages of development are looking for clarity and certainty to support

decision making, planning and efficient use of resources. Easy access to accurate, relevant,

up to date information on all manner of public sector supports / services /licenses/signage/

regulations etc. that effect business is essential.

Economic Development Unit, Galway City Council

The Department’s mission is to stimulate economic vitality by strengthening neighbourhoods,

building partnerships, and fostering public and private investments in the City.

It will develop strategies which help make Galway City the No. 1 location in the West for high

quality jobs and industry. The department seeks to attract new corporate investment into

Galway and works with Galway's companies to facilitate expansion and economic growth.

Strategic Objective:

• To ensure that Galway has a strong economic base which will support a good quality of life

for its citizens, and will drive the sustainable development of the region.

• To enable all of our communities to achieve their potential, and to promote and facilitate

equality of access and equality of opportunity across all communities.

Actions include:

• Delivery of Economic Strategy

• Delivery of Local Economic and Community Plan

• Development with Partners of Tourism Strategy

• Development of Galway Marketing & Branding Initiatives

• Management of Galway Marketing Fund

• Management of SICAP programme

• To manage the Enterprise Parks for Galway City

• To undertake a review of industrial parks, enterprise space and other business parks in

Galway City in conjunction with WestBic, Enterprise Ireland, IDA, SCCUL and other

industry partners.

The Galway Local Enterprise Office

There are over 8,924 micro enterprises operating in Galway County & City (Mazars, March

2014). These businesses operate in a wide variety of sectors including retail, construction,

hospitality, professional services, agriculture, tourism, engineering, food, beverages,

manufacture, ICT, and personal services. A common feature among many of these

businesses is an increasing dependence on the use of technology and the internet to

establish and grow their customer base.

The Galway Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs), which operates within the Local Authority

structure, acts as a “First Stop Shop” for anyone seeking information and support on starting

or growing a business in Galway.

Its role is to drive the development of local enterprise, putting local micro and small business

at the heart of job creation. It supports business start-ups and work to increase the job

potential of new and existing micro and small businesses. Support is provided in the form of

information, advice, training, mentoring, seminars and selective financial support.

Key Priority Areas for the Galway LEO:

• Develop an excellent and effective First Stop Shop for businesses in Galway County & City

• Generate awareness of the LEO brand and services

• Provide a suite of capability building supports and services that add value and benefit

business

• Support employment creation in the county through investment in eligible businesses

• Support economic development aimed at job creation in the county and city

• Heighten awareness of the support services available to businesses locally and nationally

and help develop relationships between businesses and relevant support providers.

• Engage with partners at local and national level to design and deliver enterprise creation

and support initiatives.

The Regional Action Plan for Jobs

The aim of the National Action Plan for Jobs is to support enterprise growth and job creation

in every region of the country. While progress has been made towards this objective, not all

regions are yet fully experiencing the benefits of economic recovery. The pace of progress in

the regions – and especially those with the highest unemployment levels - needs to be

accelerated through targeted supports for enterprise and job creation.

• Marketing the Region as an attractive place to live: ensuring that the

strong completive edge that Galway and the west has to offer as an attractive

place to live continues

• Enhancing the Business Environment: working collaboratively to

ensure that local authorities and the Regional Assembly work together to

leverage funding and initiatives for the region

Building the National Action Plan for Jobs process, the Government has committed to

developing Action Plans for each of the regions at NUTS III level. This Action Plan, for the

West region, covers the counties of Galway, Mayo and Roscommon.

The objective of the Action Plan is to establish a cohesive approach to enterprise support

and job creation in the region on the part of the Enterprise Development Agencies

(Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland and the Local Enterprise Offices), other public bodies (e.g.

Local Authorities, Education & Training institutions, Fáilte Ireland), local business leaders, and

community-based enterprises. While there is already a lot of practical and strategic

cooperation taking place at local and regional levels, this Action Plan provides a framework in

which cooperation and collaboration can be further enhanced between both public and

private sector stakeholders.

Specific Actions to capitalise on the strengths and opportunities set out in the Action Plan for

Jobs have been developed on a thematic basis with a delivery timeline between 2015-2017.

Themes:

• Driving Entrepreneurship: supporting start-ups, access to finance, events and

networking & collaboration

• Growing & Scaling Enterprise: building capability and collaboration between indigenous

and FDI companies

• Fostering Innovation: Increasing capacity in the west around key clusters: ICT, Medtech

& Life Sciences including knowledge transfer from the 3rd level and other research

institutes (Marine/Teagasc )

• Attracting & embedding Foreign Direct Investment: Marketing the strengths of the

local area including the particular clusters (ICT/Med-Tech), the educated workforce, the

strong start up culture in the west and the quality of life indicators that make Galway and

the West an attractive place to live and work.

• Building Sectoral Opportunities: Delivery of Tourism, food and other sectoral plans,

including the ongoing commitment to the creative sector of the region

• Skills enhancement & Labour market activation: building on the highly educated

workforce to ensure that the skills needed for industry locally and regionally are matched

through courses and training on offer at all levels of education – third level, secondary and

continuing levels.

• Strengthening Business Networking: Supporting initiatives such as Meet West and

representative groups such as Chambers, IBEC etc.

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Part 5Sustainability

Framework

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Galway City Council – Sustainability Framework

Galway City Council’s Corporate Plan for the period 2014-2019 coincides with the five-year

term of the recently elected Council. This Plan, which was prepared by a Joint Committee

comprised of the members of the Corporate Policy Group and City Council officials, sets out

the City Council’s core values, principal objectives and the strategies for the achievement of

these objectives over the lifetime of the Plan. It also provides a strategic framework within

which the combined efforts of the elected members and staff can work together to achieve

these objectives having regard to the mission statement and core values of our organisation.

Galway City Council, is committed to providing coherent policies designed to promote and

facilitate sustainable economic development for the community it serves.

Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without

compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

These policies are informed by and consistent with the City Development Plan, Corporate Plan

and emerging Local Economic and Community Plan.

The Sustainability Framework is underpinned by the agreed overarching corporate priorities to:

• Drive the economic development of Galway City

• Drive the inclusive and equitable socio-economic development of the City

• Refocus on legal and regulatory responsibilities

• Revitalise the organisation

To implement the Sustainability Framework a number of key strategies and plans are

developed an advanced through the annual budget and service plans. These plans include (but

are not limted to):

• 3 Year Capital

• European Capital of Culture Bid 2020

• Culture Strategy & Arts Action Plan

• Local Economic and Community Plan

• Tourism Strategy

• Branding Initiative

This Galway City Council Sustainability Framework will be used to assess and evaluate

component strategies and actions against the desired outcomes defined by the City Council

and to provide consistency in approach.

The Sustainability Framework uses the adopted corporate strategic objectives to describe

outcomes that are considered essential if the corporate vision of “an attractive, vibrant and

proud city in which to live, work and visit”.

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Corporate Strategic Objectives

Economic Development, Community & Culture

• Ensures that Galway has a strong economic base which supports a

good quality of life for its citizens, and drives the sustainable

development of the region.

• Enables all of our communities to achieve their potential, and promotes

and facilitates equality of access and equality of opportunity across all

communities.

• Maximises the potential of arts and culture to enrich the lives of all who

live in, work in, or visit the city.

Housing & Social Inclusion, Environment & Recreation and Amenity

• Provides suitable housing accommodation and a responsive and

supportive service for those in need of housing support.

• Protects, enhances and conserves the natural environment of our city, to

develop a culture of no litter and no pollution and promotes sustainable

use of our resources.

• Develops and promotes the provision of high quality recreational, leisure

and amenity facilities for all age groups and enhances the quality of life

for our citizens and visitors alike.

Planning & Transportation

• • Provides, manages and maintains, a safe and effective, roads and

transportation network and works in partnership with public transport

providers and other agencies in developing integrated and sustainable

transportation policies.

• Plans for and provides timely and effective response to emergencies

and natural disasters.

• Has in place a system of physical planning capable of meeting

sustainable economic, environmental and social development objectives

for the city.

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32

Finance, Management Services Unit and Water Services

• Maximises resources available for infrastructural and service provision

and ensures the efficient and effective use of these resources,

achievement of a balanced budget and the highest standards of

accountability and financial probity.

• Collaborates with Irish Water in providing and maintaining, in a

sustainable manner, a water supply system and a drainage

collection/treatment system, capable of meeting the needs of all

domestic, commercial and industrial consumers in the city.

Corporate Services, ICT, & Human Resources

• Provides an effective support service for elected members and the

organisation generally to ensure the efficient delivery of corporate

services.

• Encourages and assists staff in developing their full potential as

valued employees of Galway City Council. Utilises our staff resources

to the maximum effect in the context of our changing environment.

Works in partnership with all relevant stakeholders to maintain

industrial peace and ensure a consistent high quality service to our

customers.

• Maximises the benefits of E-technology in delivering a more

accessible service to the public and to provide a quality support and

developmental information and communications service to staff,

elected members, and the service Departments of the Council.

This Sustainability Framework is energised by a range of inter-related, and coordinated

supporting sectoral strategies, plans and actions, designed to effectively and efficiently

deliver desired outcomes that are considered essential if the corporate vision of “an

attractive, vibrant and proud city in which to live, work and visit is to be realised.

Economic Sustainability Action Plan

PEOPLE: Main Actions Chart

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ActionsImplementation of Local

Economic & Community

Plan

Implementation of A

Cultural Strategy/Arts

Action plan

Support & Develop the

European Capital of

Culture Bid 2020

European Region of

Gastronomy Bid 2018

Promotion of Social

Inclusion & SICAP

Responsible PartiesEconomic SPC

Local Community Development Committee

Culture SPC

Galway City Councils

Bid Team

Galway Local Authorities

LCDC members

Galway City Partnership

Timing2015-2021

2015-2025

2015-2020

Ongoing

PLACE: Main Actions Chart

34 35

ActionsDraft New City

Development Plan

2017-2023

Delivery of Innovation

District

Galway Harbour

Galway Airport

Environmental

Strategy

Responsible PartiesGalway City Council:

Planning Dept

SPC

Team of Locally Based

Entrepreneurs

Galway Harbour Company

Galway Local Authorities

Galway City Council

TimingDrafting 2015-16

Implementation

2017-23

Autumn 2015 -

2015-2025

2015-2025

2016

Have regard to the

targeted population

growth of the city as a

NSS Gateway as defined

by the DECLG and ensure

corresponding future

development needs for

such a population are

planned for in particular in

relation to settlement,

housing, enterprise and

infrastructure and

the need for regeneration

of key sites in keeping

with the principles of

sustainable development.

Promote the protection

and enhancement of the

natural and built

environment of the city

while facilitating

sustainable development

and growth in line with EU

and national legislation

and encourage

appropriate measures to

reduce man-made

greenhouse gas

emissions and increase

the use of renewable

energies.

PROCESS: Main Actions Chart

ActionsGalway City Council

Service Delivery Plan

Galway LEO

Enterprise Plan

Regional Action Plan

for Jobs

Tourism

Smart City

High Level

Advisory Group

Economic Development

Agency Forum

Responsible PartiesEconomic Development Unit

Economic SPC

Galway LEO

DJEI

Local Authorities

Regional Authorities

City Council/Failte Ireland...

City Council/NUI Galway

Galway Local Authorities

Galway Local Authorities

TimingAnnual

Annual

2015-2017

2015

2015/16

2015

2015

Part 6Monitoring

Progress

3736

The group will also supplement existing structures such as the SPCs and LCDCs in the

development of policies and supports that can create an environment to assist the

economic development of Galway.

The approach to engage with the private sector through the establishment of the

group is part of the overall commitment on the part of local government to

embrace the enhanced role for local authorities in the economic and

enterprise development arena.

Economic Development Agency Forum

An Economic Development Agency Forum will be established on

a joint city and county basis chaired by a Chief Executive on a

rotating basis.

It will include the relevant staff from the CEED Units as

well as the Head of Local Enterprise. Other members

invited to participate will include: IDA, Enterprise

Ireland, Failte Ireland, Teagasc, NWRA, WDC,

GRETV, NUIG, GMIT & the Marine Institute.

These key stakeholders and agencies are

partners in many City Council led actions

and initiatives and are responsible for

the delivery of key actions in the

LECP and Regional Action Plan

for Jobs.

38

Monitoring Progress

Implementation/Accountability

The Actions identified in this ‘Statement of Strategy – Economic Sustainability’ are

challenging but they are realistic and achievable.

They include short – medium and long term outcomes.

Monitoring the implementation of the supporting strategies, plans and actions will be critical

in measuring progress and impact over the coming years. Measurement will be against a

range of national, regional and local indicators and a monitoring framework is being

developed.

Responsibility for reviewing progress rests with a number of structures including, the

Economic Development & Enterprise Strategic Policy Committee, Local Community

Development Committee, and Galway City Council, with input from the proposed High Level

Advisory Group described below.

Local Authority performance will be subject to the examination and report by the National

Oversight Audit Committee.

To assist in the monitoring, review and inspiration processes a High Level Advisory Group

and Economic Development Agency Forum will be established on a joint basis by the two

local authorities.

High Level Advisory Group

Galway City Council and Galway County Council will establish a joint High Level Economic

Advisory Group drawn from FDI companies, Indigenous firms, SMEs, Creative Sector, Tech,

Start Ups, Social Innovators taking into account age, gender balance, geography etc.

In forming the group it is proposed to bring together business people and entrepreneurs that

are leaders in their field, to work with and provide advice in relation to the economic

development of Galway and the region.

The Advisory Group will act as a sounding board and to advise the Councils’ Executive and

Economic & Enterprise Development Teams with regard to the ongoing economic

development of the City & County.

One of the initial key tasks of the group will be to play a role in keeping the Economic

Sustainability Statement and its Action Plan under ongoing review, while monitoring overall

progress and contributing to further development of economic strategies for Galway.

39

Further information:Community and Culture Department, Galway City Council, City Hall, College Road, Galway.

Tel: (091) 536400Email: c&c@galwaycity.ie

www.galwaycity.ie